Melvin L "Mel" Parnell began his pro career with Centreville in 1941. He was 16-9 with Canton in 1942 and entered military service with the Army Air Force in 1943.

Parnell was stationed at Blytheville Army Air Field in Arkansas and Maxwell Field, Alabama, where he played baseball for the Bombers.

Parnell returned to Scranton in 1946 and joined the Boston Red Sox in 1947. He spent his entire 10-year career with Boston and compiled a 123-75 record. In 1949 he was 25-7, leading the American League in wins, ERA (2.77), complete games (27) and innings pitched (295.1). He pitched a no-hitter against the White Sox on July 14, 1956.

Parnell later managed the Pelicans and various Boston farm clubs. He was a member of Boston’s radio and television announcing crew from 1965 to 1968.

Mel Parnell lives in New Orleans.